By Christabel DANSO ABEAM
Executive President-Innovation for Empowerment and Development (IFED) Global – an educational and advocacy organisation that provides globally accepted platforms to empower the youth – Acheampong Tutu has stressed the need for youths to take up sustainable responsibilities.
He said their commitment to sustainability is vital for long-term global prosperity.
Speaking at the International Youth Diplomacy Conference (iYDC) 9th edition opening in Accra, Mr. Tutu noted the need for youth to explore opportunities beyond civil service, public service or government roles. He encouraged them to venture into other fields, including entrepreneurship, and to utilise the internet if they choose to pursue entrepreneurial careers.
“Let us explore other opportunities from entrepreneurship. Not necessarily travelling miles to transact business, but using the internet and leveraging on its benefits,” he said.
He further suggested that young people should foster cross-section collaboration by engaging with governments, private sectors, non-profits and academic institutions to create synergies which amplify their impact – giving the example that partnerships between technical companies and educational institutions can provide innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide, ensuring all young people have quality education.
Mr. Tutu further highlighted the impact of grassroots movements led by the youth, describing them as powerful catalysts for change. He noted that this can be achieved through raising awareness, driving action and holding decision-makers accountable. He cited the global climate strikes initiated by young activists as a testament of the youth’s ability to unite people for a common cause.
“Innovation is not limited to technology; it extends to policy and governance. Youth leaders can advocate for policies that promote sustainability, equity and inclusion. By engaging in policy dialogues and decision-making processes, we can help shape a regulatory environment that supports sustainable development,” he noted.
The President again charged the youth to get on decision making table strategically, promote social entrepreneurship by launching and supporting social enterprises, create sustainable business models that address social and environmental issues. He said; “These ventures do not only generate economic value but also contribute to community development and environmental sustainability.
Speaking on the embracement of technology, he emphasised that youths can harness the power of innovation to address challenges such as climate change, healthcare and sustainable agriculture.
Acknowledging the unprecedented challenges such as climate change, global pandemics, economic inequality and social injustice, Mr. Tutu however highlighted that amid these challenges lies a potential for transformative change driven by the energy, creativity and determination of young people around the world.
The Managing Director-Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), Nana Akwesi Awuah – during his address at the event themed ‘Building bridges for a sustainable future: Youth leaders role impact in harnessing partnerships and innovation for achieving Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) – reiterated the need for partnership in achieving sustainability, saying that there is a need to create relevant partnerships and connections between people, ideas and available resources.
“Partnership serves as a cornerstone for achieving the SDGs, whether through community initiatives, private-public collaborations or international alliances and power of individuals; therefore, working together cannot be overestimated. Collaboration across sectors, disciplines and generations is equally important,” he noted.
Although stressing challenges facing the youth, Mr. Awuah expressed optimism that the current generation are the best group to help solve these challenges since they are the most interconnected, tech-savvy and globally-minded in history due to their exposure to tools and opportunities such as sophisticated technology, AI and social media.
He however noted that having access to these tools is not enough to get the job done, but acquiring the necessary skills needed to effectively make use of these tools and opportunities is vital for achieving the SDGs.
“As youth aiming to transform and shape a sustainable world, we must strive to develop necessary soft skills like communication, empathy, resilience and adaptability. These soft skills will serve as secret weapons in building partnership across sectors.”
The District Chief Executive – Afadjato South, Etornam James Flolu in an interview also encouraged the youth to be persevering and ready to take up strategic responsibilities – and desist from the habit of complaining and waiting for appointed leaders in government to solve their problems.
Speaking on what government can do to facilitate contributions of the youth in achieving the SDGs, he proposed that it should provide infrastructure such as good roads, accessible data connectivity, safe water etc. – and champion public-private partnerships.
About the iYDC
The iYDC organised by IFED Global is a Model United Nations Simulation that brings youth from across Africa yearly to promote youth empowerment and positive leadership through its innovative and strategically planned activities; such as cultural networking sessions, career development workshops, diplomatic speeches among others.
This year’s event brought together 250 delegates from across Africa.
